Projection Optics Layout for Low-Loss Optical Computing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for vector-matrix multiplication suffer from inefficiencies and computational bottlenecks due to the use of non-rotationally symmetric lenses, which are difficult to manufacture, require precise positioning, and result in high losses and aberrations, especially when using divergent optical sources like microLEDs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an optical projection system with a combination of rotationally symmetric and non-rotationally symmetric lenses, reducing the number of non-rotationally symmetric lenses to improve optical performance, capture more light, and minimize aberrations, while using a single lens close to the source plane for compactness and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-rotationally symmetric lenses are used in optical systems for vector-matrix multiplication, then the system can perform the required optical transformations, but the manufacturing difficulty increases and optical losses and aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a cylindrical lens (non-rotationally symmetric) in combination with spherical lenses. The cylindrical lens provides the necessary asymmetric optical transformation for vector-matrix multiplication while the spherical lenses handle the symmetric transformations. This selective application of asymmetry resolves the contradiction by using non-rotationally symmetric lenses only where necessary rather than throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into multiple lens arrangements with different symmetry properties. The patent divides the optical transformation into stages: spherical lenses for symmetric transformations and a cylindrical lens for asymmetric transformations. This segmentation allows each lens type to be optimized for its specific function, improving both manufacturability and optical performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple non-rotationally symmetric lens arrangements are used, then the optical transformations can be achieved, but the number of components increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical system multi-functional by combining spherical and cylindrical lenses in a single integrated arrangement. This single hybrid system performs both symmetric and asymmetric optical transformations that would otherwise require separate lens arrangements, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full transformation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges spherical and cylindrical lens arrangements into a single integrated optical system. By combining these different lens types in one configuration, the system achieves the necessary optical transformations with fewer discrete components, reducing alignment complexity and improving system compactness.
3Productivity
If traditional optical systems are used with divergent sources like microLEDs, then the system can operate with available components, but light capture efficiency decreases and signal-to-noise ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning lenses with specific focal lengths at specific locations in the optical path. The spherical and cylindrical lenses are arranged with carefully selected focal lengths to match the divergent nature of microLED sources, optimizing light capture at each stage of the transformation and maximizing overall optical efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The improved optical projection system enhances optical efficiency, reduces losses and aberrations, and increases signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for faster and more compact optical computing elements, particularly beneficial in iterative calculations.
Implementation Method 1
The first and third lens arrangements are rotationally symmetric about the optical axis and are positioned to capture light from an array of sources on a source plane and image the sources onto an output plane
Implementation Method 2
The second lens arrangement has optical power of a first magnitude (either positive or negative) in a first orientation and optical power of a second magnitude in a second orientation
Data Source
AI summary
An optical projection system is described that may be used in an optical computing element. The optical projection system has an optical axis and comprises first, second and third lens arrangements. The first and third lens arrangements are rotationally symmetric about the optical axis and are positioned to capture light from an array of sources on a source plane and image the sources onto an output plane. The second lens arrangement is positioned between the first and third lens arrangements. The second lens arrangement has optical power of a first magnitude in a first orientation and optical power of a second magnitude in a second orientation, wherein the first magnitude is larger than the second magnitude and wherein the first orientation is orthogonal to the second orientation and both the first and second orientations are orthogonal to the optical axis.